Over 36 Indian Americans are actively campaigning for local and state legislative positions across the United States, reflecting a significant rise in political engagement within this growing community. This surge in candidacies highlights the increasing desire among Indian Americans to participate in the political mainstream.
Key Highlights
- California Leads: The largest number of candidates is in California, home to prominent Indian American politicians like Representatives Ro Khanna and Dr. Ami Bera, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. Notable candidates include:
- Adlah Chisti for County Supervisor, District 11
- Aliya Chisti for San Francisco City College Board
- Darshana Patel for State Assembly
- Nithya Raman for Los Angeles City Council
- Sukhdeep Kaur for Emeryville City Council
- Candidates Nationwide: Beyond California, Indian Americans are contesting in various states:
- In Michigan, Dr. Ajay Raman is running for Oakland County Commissioner, while Anil Kumar and Ranjeev Puri are vying for the Michigan State House.
- In Arizona, Priya Sundareshan is running for State Senate, and Ravi Shah is contesting for School Board.
- Other states with Indian American candidates include Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, New York, and Texas.
Community Engagement
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been vocal in encouraging community members to run for office, stating, “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” This sentiment resonates strongly within the community as they seek greater representation and influence in American politics.
Conclusion
The growing number of Indian American candidates signifies a pivotal moment in U.S. politics, as this community increasingly asserts its presence and strives to shape policies that reflect their interests and values. As these elections approach, the outcomes could further solidify the role of Indian Americans in local and state governance.
